About Widad
Widad is a one-of-a-kind place where education, creativity, inclusion, and environmental responsibility come together.
Centrally located in the heart of Dubai, Widad offers talented children a comprehensive learning environment designed to challenge and support children by strengthening their cognitive, emotional, creative and intentional abilities. We believe that children develop best when exposed to all the enriching elements of life.
Widad is also a community of students, parents, educators, and professionals committed to the principles of environmental responsibility, social inclusion, and better education all working towards shaping the future of schooling. Widad provides a range of educational, behavioural, and skill development programs inspired by a blend of the latest research and pedagogical methodologies.
The name Widad (وداد) in Arabic means love and harmony, which sits at the heart of everything we do. Widad is your child’s “Home Away From Home” with programs as diverse as wood work, social responsibility, yoga and meditation, sport, and (of course) academia. In 2019, Widad was recognized for its success with a TimeOut Kids award. Widad has also been featured in WhichSchoolAdvisor.
Meet our Governing Board
Larry Sullivan
Board Member
Larry is founder and chair of COINS Foundation, the social enterprise arm of COINS Global, a global software house. He is a regular speaker at leading business schools including Harvard, Warwick, Hult, Monash, and LBS and more discussing “Entrepreneurship as a force for good and social improvement.” He sits on the board of Habitat for Humanity.
Nigel Cope
Co-Founder
Nigel is the co-founder of Widad Center, which he helped establish in 2013. He also co-founded COINS Global, an international software company that grew to serve clients worldwide. In 2022, COINS Global was successfully acquired by The Access Group in the UK. Nigel relocated permanently to Dubai in 2012, where he has been actively involved in both business and community initiatives. After retiring in 2024, he took on a new role as Vice Chair of The Lighthouse Club Dubai. This organization is proudly affiliated with the Lighthouse Construction Charity in the UK, supporting the construction community and their families. Nigel is also a regular visitor and dedicated supporter of Widad Center, driven by his genuine passion for its mission and community.
Divya Rajan
Board Member
Divya has worked in paediatric settings in various countries since her graduation in 2004. Divya is particularly interested in Sensory Processing Disorder and has completed three modules of the Sensory Integration training through University of Southern California, USA. She is also a certified Listening Program practitioner and an Ergonomic practitioner. Divya enjoys collaborating with parents, teachers and other professionals to ensure the best outcome for the children.
Jo Franklin
Board Member
Jo is the Group Commercial Director for COINS globally, providing leadership for the community focus, supporting and developing many community projects, most significantly the COINS Challenge Events. She played a key role in establishing COINS Foundation. Jo sits on the board of Stepping Stones & Undershaw School and is a former trustee of The CSB Self Help & Hemiplegia Organisation.
Emma West
Board Member
Emma has worked in education for 26 years, with experience across both the primary and secondary phases in the UK and the UAE. She has held a range of roles, including Advanced Skills Teacher with a specialism in teaching and learning, working in an advisory capacity as well as in school leadership for the past 15 years.
Emma is currently the Headteacher of an independent specialist school in the UK, supporting young people with a wide range of SEND needs. Under her leadership, the school achieved an Ofsted Outstanding rating and has been recognised as a Centre of Excellence for SEND provision.
Meet Our Management Team
Claire Cookson
CEO
Claire is the CEO of Pathways Education Trust, leading efforts to reimagine education for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). She focuses on creating trauma-informed, person-centred schools and provisions that prepare every learner for adulthood with a presumption of employment.
She is also Co-CEO of Bloom, an EdTech company using AI to uncover learners’ hidden skills and bridge the gap between education and the workplace. Previously, Claire served as CEO of DFN Project SEARCH UK and founded EmployAbility Let’s Work Together, both dedicated to improving employment transitions for young adults with SEND.
She is passionate about inclusion, wellbeing, and skills-first education, and believes in the creativity and potential of every learner.
Emma Fell
Executive Director
Emma is the Executive Director of Widad Center, providing strategic leadership and championing the development of inclusive, person-centred services for children and young people with special needs. Drawing on her personal experience as a caregiver, combined with decades of professional leadership expertise, Emma brings both deep insight and heartfelt commitment to her role.
Since joining Widad in August 2013, Emma has played a pivotal role in strengthening Widad’s services, building trusted and lasting relationships with families, and fostering a culture where every learner feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Her vision and dedication have helped shape Widad into a place where inclusion, compassion, and excellence come together to make a real difference in the lives of children, families, and the wider community. Emma remains a passionate advocate for the entire Widad family and continues to lead with warmth, integrity, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every individual.
Lucia Jauregui
Head of Education
Lucia graduated in Primary Education in Spain before relocating to Dubai, where she has gained more than 13 years of experience across both mainstream and inclusive school settings. With a strong passion for special education, she has dedicated her career to fostering inclusive practices and creating opportunities for every learner to thrive.
Over the course of her career, Lucia has rooted interest in developing strong teams and ensuring excellent team management, believing that collaboration and shared responsibility are key to sustained growth and success.
As Head of Education at Widad, she is deeply committed to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for students, staff, and families alike.
Meet Our Supporters
Widad is supported by a number of generous partners that have enabled us to create the place and the programs that serve the children.
Leo Lion Foundation is the not-for-profit organisation, using enterprise to create a better and more sustainable future. Leo Lion Foundation is committed to supporting social enterprises and businesses with a social mission and believe that economic and social value should be intertwined.
The Monjasa Group is a global partner in the Oil- and Shipping industry. Its core business includes trading and supplying marine fuels and ship-owning activities globally. With 10 global office locations, Monjasa is present in all major time zones. The Monjasa Group is certified according to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018 and ISO 50001:2018. On land and at sea, the Monjasa Group employs 500+ amazing colleagues.
In our mission to impact the lives of those who need it most, 33% of all our brokerage fees will be committed to charitable causes in the UAE. We aim to create a network of like-minded organisations and charities who are all focused on giving back and helping others. We are delighted to be working with the incredible partners below. Please take some time to check out the impact these organisations are having every day.
